May 4, 2007 - Five U.S. senators asked the Federal Trade Commission on Friday (5/4/2007) to investigate what they say are R.J Reynolds Tobacco Co.’s attempts to appeal to teenage girls with ads for its sleekly packaged Camel No. 9 cigarettes. R.J. Reynolds launched the brand in February 2007. It says the cigarettes are aimed at adult female smokers. But anti-smoking groups and others have argued that the product — from its name, which recalls an upscale perfume, to the packaging to the ads — appears designed to lure teens or young women. The cigarettes come in black boxes with a border of teal or fuchsia. They’re advertised in women’s magazines (Vogue, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, Lucky, Jane, Essence) under the slogan “Light and Luscious,” on textured paper adorned with images of red roses and lace. Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said such legislation is needed to stop companies like R.J. Reynolds from marketing to young people. “This Camel campaign is one of the most egregious, blatant attempts to make cigarette smoking sexy, cool and popular among teenage girls that we’ve seen in years,” Myers said. (MSNBCThe name, Camel No. 9, according to the marketers, is supposed to evoke ‘cloud nine’ or being ‘dressed to the nines’. The company is reaching out to women with a hot pink and teal package adorned with flowers and slogans such as ‘light and luscious’. It remains to be seen whether this marketing tactic based on the Camel brand and a US$25 million campaign will make the new Camels )Click on image to enlarge.

May 2, 2007 - Statewide Smoking Ban Fails to Clear North Carolina. An attempt to ban smoking in many public areas across North Carolina narrowly failed in the House, as tobacco territory Democrats sided with Republicans who called the measure an infringement on the rights of business owners.The House voted 61-55 against the measure. Nineteen Democrats - mostly from counties where tobacco is grown or processed - opposed the ban, while eight Republicans supported it. The bills sponsor (democrat Hugh Holliman) urged lawmakers to view the bill as a health issue an effort to protect nonsmoking citizens from unwanted exposure to smoke in restaurants, offices and other businesses. Opponents of the bill insisted the measure would criminalize a legal activity and unfairly punish business owners with a fine if someone smoked in their establishment, while offering no penalty for the smokers themselves. House Republican leader Paul Stam, R-Wake, one of the chief opponents of this measure stated, "The bill is well-intentioned and it may have good effects if passed, but it does not respect property rights or due process rights." (Raleigh, NC, wral.com) Tobacco control people are being outsmarted by Big Tobacco - the bill went from a bill to protect the health of NC citizens to infringing on the property rights of business owners. The tax is increased on cigarettes to discourage people from buying cigarettes followed by tobacco companies offering discount coupons and B1G1F promotions.

April 30, 2007 - Extended Stay Hotels, which operates 682 North American properties, recently announced that it plans to continue to welcome smokers, according to a report by Paul B. Brown for the New York Times quoting Hotels magazine. The Extended Stay group includes the Extended Stay America, Homestead Studio Suites and Crossland Economy Studios brands.Tim Groves, Extended Stay’s executive vice-president for sales and marketing, was quoted as saying there were no plans to restrict smoking anytime soon. Smokers were welcome to light up in common areas and designated rooms. (Tobacco Reporter)